Brain tumors, just hearing the name is frightening. Many people have misunderstandings about this disease. Dr. Boonchot Kiangkitivan, a neurosurgeon at the Brain and Nervous System Center, Phyathai 3 Hospital, will clarify the doubts about this disease.
Normally, brain tumors can be found in people of all genders and ages, including children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. The exact cause of the disease is still unknown, but there are some factors that may be related to brain tumors, such as genetic abnormalities or a family history of tumors or cancer, exposure to certain chemicals, and radiation exposure, among others.
Brain tumors can be divided into 2 types:
- Primary brain tumors, which are divided into benign tumors and malignant tumors, or brain cancer.
- Tumors that have spread from other organs, such as the lungs or breasts. As is well known, in this case, it is a characteristic of cancer metastasis from other organs in the late stages.
Is it just a headache or a headache caused by a brain tumor?
Symptoms found in brain tumor patients include headaches. Of course, headaches come in many forms, but the type of headache that indicates it is not just a common headache includes chronic headaches or headaches accompanied by nausea, vomiting, numbness in the arms or legs, weakness, or seizures. If the case is mild and no further detailed examination is done, and the patient does not see a specialist in brain and nervous system diseases, abnormalities may not be detected, and treatment will only be to relieve pain with medication.
Signs that indicate you need to see a doctor urgently
- Frequent headaches that become increasingly severe, and pain does not decrease after taking medication
- Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
- Slurred speech or facial drooping
- Seizures
Initially, the doctor will diagnose by taking a history and performing a thorough physical examination. If there is suspicion, further diagnostic tests will be done by brain imaging, such as a CT scan or MRI, to clearly see the tumor and surrounding details. Knowing these details helps the doctor preliminarily identify the type of tumor to plan treatment. However, a definitive diagnosis requires tissue biopsy and laboratory examination.
How can brain tumors be treated?
- Tumor surgery aims primarily to remove as much of the tumor as possible without complications. It also helps reduce brain swelling and seizures. Currently, surgery focuses on small incisions using navigation systems to increase accuracy, allowing the surgeon to know the exact location throughout the procedure and minimize brain injury. Additionally, high-magnification surgical microscopes are used to help neurosurgeons see small areas deep in the brain or in dangerous locations better, making surgery safer.
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
For each patient, the doctor will consider the treatment method and choose surgical equipment appropriately, based on the tumor’s characteristics, location, and size. Some patients may receive one type of treatment, while others may receive a combination of all three, depending on the individual.
Is surgery really safe?
Currently, it can be said that surgery is very safe due to the expertise and experience of neurosurgeons and advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies. Surgical outcomes today differ from the past, with smaller incisions, fewer complications, reduced brain injury, less blood loss, and shorter recovery times. There is also technology that allows precise surgery to access critical and dangerous areas effectively.
Can benign tumors become malignant?
The answer is yes. If a benign tumor is detected but left untreated improperly, over time, it can potentially transform into brain cancer. This is why doctors always advise patients to seek immediate treatment once a brain tumor is detected, for their health and quality of life.
